Ugonna Collete Eleanyauyo builds Si Collete, redefining Nigerian luxury handbags through quality craftsmanship and purposeful design.
Women are among the strongest drivers of Africa’s economy. From powering the informal sector to shaping industries in the formal economy, they continue to create jobs, build businesses, and contribute significantly to economic growth. Yet despite their impact, women-led businesses remain among the least financed by financial institutions, while many economic policies still fall short of addressing the unique realities female entrepreneurs face.
A 2025 report by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) highlights these persistent challenges, noting that women continue to face limited access to finance, market opportunities, and policy support. The report also points out that intra-African trade remains below 15 per cent, further constraining business expansion and economic diversification across the continent.
Even so, African women have continued to defy the odds. In an increasingly competitive business environment, they are building companies and brands that rival global standards, driven not only by ambition but by a determination to create lasting value for their families, communities, and Africa’s economy.
One of them is Ugonna Collete Eleanyauyo, Founder of Si Collete, a Lagos-based premium handbag brand redefining everyday luxury for the modern African woman. In a market long associated with a strong appetite for international luxury fashion, Eleanyauyo is proving that a homegrown Nigerian brand can compete on quality, craftsmanship, and design. Judging by the growing acceptance of Si Collete, consumers are embracing that vision.
In this interview with The Benchmark, Eleanyauyo reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, from selling imported luxury handbags to designing and manufacturing her own premium brand. She shares the lessons she has learned while building a distinctly Nigerian luxury label.
1. Briefly introduce yourself.
My name is Ugonna Collete Eleanyauyo, and I’m the founder of Si Collete, a premium handbag brand redefining everyday luxury for the modern African woman. I have a background in Architecture, but I’ve always been deeply passionate about entrepreneurship and building meaningful brands. My journey began in fashion and evolved. This led me to create Si Collete, a brand born from my love for thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and a goal to help women feel confident through what they carry.
2. Tell us a bit about your brand, Si Collete, and what it means to you and the African woman.
Si Collete is a modern luxury handbag brand inspired by ambitious women who are intentionally building meaningful lives. To me, Si Collete was born from my desire to create a better future by pursuing my dreams, and I wanted to build a brand that reflects that same spirit. I believe a handbag is more than an accessory; it can be a quiet source of confidence, reminding a woman of who she is and everything she’s capable of achieving. While our roots are in celebrating the African woman, Si Collete is ultimately for every woman boldly creating a life she’s proud of.
3. What propelled you to pivot into luxury fashion bag manufacturing, and how long have you been in the game?
My decision to transition into luxury bag manufacturing came after nearly six years of selling handbags and seeing recurring inconsistencies in quality, from the leather and stitching to the hardware and finishing. I reached a point where I no longer wanted to sell products whose quality I couldn’t control, so I decided to create my own. While Si Collete officially launched this year, my journey in the handbag industry spans nearly six years, and every lesson along the way shaped the brand we have today.
4. What is it like doing business in the Nigerian market?
Doing business in Nigeria has been both challenging and rewarding. While entrepreneurs often have to navigate hurdles such as logistics, infrastructure, and operational inefficiencies, these challenges have taught me to be resourceful and adaptable. At the same time, Nigerian women genuinely appreciate quality and intentional design, and their support for homegrown, female-founded brands makes the journey incredibly fulfilling.
5. What is the most significant challenge you’ve experienced since you commenced operations?
One of the biggest challenges has been bringing our existing customers along on the journey. For years, they knew us for curating handbags from established brands, but with the launch of Si Collete, we’re asking them to place that same trust in a brand we’ve built from the ground up. Earning that trust takes time, consistency, and delivering an exceptional product every single time. But it’s a challenge I have gladly embraced.
6. How many markets do you currently serve, and what is the highest estimated revenue you’ve generated in a single year?
At the moment, Si Collete primarily serves the Nigerian market, with plans to expand into other markets as we continue to grow. As for our revenue, we’re still in the early stages of building the brand, so I’d prefer to keep our financial figures confidential. For now, our focus is on creating exceptional products, earning our customers’ trust, and building a sustainable luxury brand for the long term.
7. What is the one thing that makes your brand stand out from others, and why should one invest in a piece of your collection?
What sets Si Collete apart is that we’re building more than a handbag brand; we’re building a brand that celebrates ambitious women and the lives they are intentionally creating. We want to be part of our customers’ journey as they pursue their goals, build their careers, and define success on their own terms. Every Si Collete piece is designed not only to be timeless and beautifully crafted, but also to serve as a quiet reminder of the confidence, purpose, and ambition they carry every day.
8. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as an entrepreneur?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned as an entrepreneur is never to stop learning. No matter how much experience you gain, you have to remain open to feedback, willing to adapt, and committed to continuous improvement. Your customers, your experiences, and even your mistakes all have something to teach you. The businesses that thrive are the ones that keep evolving.
